Mijar, August 15: Patriotism and feeling of oneness prevailed upon the tiny village of Mijar, where hundreds of men and women wearing traditional attire participated in a Cross Country Monsoon Marathon, rejuvenating the spirit of Independence.
India's Hockey legend Dhanraj Pillai flagged off the rare marathon on the premises of Shasthavu Sri Bhoothanatheshawara Temple at 6:30 a.m. in the presence of sandalwood stars Pooja Gandhi, Neethu and Shivadwaj.
Separate events were held for men and women in five categories: professional sportspersons marathon (42.195 km), villagers half-marathon (21.095 km), senior citizens walkathon for those above 45 years (10.5 km), children's marathon (5.25km) and wheelchair marathon for physically challenged citizens (2.5 km).
The marathon was conducted in and around the temple's neighbourhood. There were three prizes for each category. The first prize for the professional sportsperson's category was Rs 1 lakh, while first prize for other categories was for Rs 25,000 each. The children's category had a prize of Rs 15,000.
The objective of the marathon organised by the Temple was to promote health and hygiene, foster social harmony, cultivate appreciation of rural way of life, awaken appreciation for the rich natural splendour of our countryside and inspire the people to protect the environment and ecology. The theme of the Marathon was 'Unity'.
Participants sported the traditional attire of their particular community. In the professional sportsperson's category, collarless white T-shirt and White Shorts, was compulsory dress code for men, while women sported collared white T-shirt and shorts.
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